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Amman travel guide

Originally spread over seven hills, or jabals, the capital of
the Hashemite kingdom now sprawls over 19 hills and is home to over
a million people, almost half of Jordan's population. Known as the
White City, the hills are covered in a jumble of light-coloured
stone houses, consistently box-like in shape with flat roofs
characteristic of a typical desert city. Faded minarets, pavement
markets, Arabian sweet shops and the crumbling remains of ancient
civilisations contrast wonderfully with the contemporary edifices,
fashionable boutiques and international restaurants. This blend of
the old and the new combines in the noisy and chaotic downtown area
where the city's extraordinarily friendly residents go about their
business.

At the heart of downtown is the Ottoman-style King Hussein
Mosque, around which the buzz and bustle is at its most
interesting. Even busier at prayer times, the surrounding streets
are filled with the essence of Arabia, exotic smells and rows of
glittering treasures in the souq (market) amid the noise of
frenetic haggling.

Just as overwhelming is Amman's sense of history, dating back
5,500 years to its position as the ancient capital of the
Ammonites, Rabbath-Ammon of the Old Testament, and later as
Philadelphia, the Roman city that became part of the Decapolis.
Overlooking the city from atop Jabal al-Qala'a is the Citadel, the
site of the ancient Rabbath-Ammon, and at its foot lies the
impressive Roman amphitheatre that is the most remarkable remnant
of ancient Philadelphia.

Amman is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the
world, and today functions as a thriving commercial and
administrative centre with modern facilities, historical
attractions and a longstanding tradition of hospitality. It is an
excellent base from which to explore the surrounds, even the rest
of the country, being no more than five hours drive from anywhere,
and is surprisingly agreeable for a capital city.

From its position on top of a hill overlooking the city, the
Citadel (known locally as Jabal al-Qal'a) stands testament to the
history of Amman, with its ancient ruins and excavated relics,
alongside those from throughout the country, housed in the Jordan
Archaeological Museum. It is the site of the ancient capital
Rabbath-Ammon and numerous excavations have revealed Stone Age
remains as well as those from the Roman to the Islamic periods.

The site contains several structures including the impressive
Omayyad Palace (al-Qasr), a small Byzantine basilica and what was
once the Temple of Hercules, the Great Temple of Amman. Also on the
site is the Jordan Archaeological Museum, which has an excellent
collection of artefacts from Jordan dating back to the earliest
settlement in the region over 700,000 years ago. The Dead Sea
Scrolls, Iron Age sarcophagi and a copy of the Mesha Stele are its
most important exhibits.

Below the Citadel is the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, an
impressive relic from ancient Philadelphia that is cut into the
hill and can seat up to 6,000 people. The theatre is still used
occasionally for events today. Two cultural museums form part of
the complex: the Jordan Folklore Museum, which has exhibits on
traditional life, and the Museum of Popular Traditions with
traditional costumes and mosaics from 4th to 6th century Jordan
churches.

The theatre was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (138-161
CE) and is today a famous landmark in Amman and of course the
ancient Roman city Philadelphia. It surrounds the Hashemite Plaza,
Odeon theatre and the Nymphaeum.

Stretching to the east of Amman towards Saudi Arabia and Iraq is
the vast desert plain where a cluster of historic ruins such as
castles, forts, baths and palaces have been preserved and are
collectively known as desert castles. Their purpose is largely
unknown, but most are thought to have been built as recreational
retreats by the Umayyad caliphs during the early Islamic Period
(7th to 8th centuries AD).

Qasr Mushatta is the biggest and most elaborate of the castles,
a fine example of Umayyad architecture although it was never
completed. The best preserved and most enchanting is the luxurious
bathhouse of Qusayr 'Amra, with its domed ceiling and colourful
interior frescoes and mosaics, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.

Other desert castles include the black rock fortress at Azraq,
which was the desert headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the
Great Arab Revolt in 1917, the mysterious Qasr al-Kharrana, Qasr
al-Hallabat's crumbling remains and the well-preserved complex at
Qastal.

Desert Castle Loop

Transport: Most of the castles can be visited on a day trip from
Amman via Azraq by using a variety of public buses and minibuses
combined with hitching or walking, although it is easier and less
time consuming to hire a car or a taxi for the day; hotels can
arrange drivers who know the way and speak English

The hilly capital of Amman is packed with wonderful sightseeing
opportunities and fantastic activities for all types of travellers.
One favourite route for tourists is the Desert Castle Loop, which
spans east and west of the city and has numerous sights to visit on
the way and makes for an intriguing day out for the whole family,
visiting different castles and exploring the scenic desert
landscape. Within the city of Amman there is also plenty to do,
including a tour of the spectacular Roman Amphitheatre and a stroll
up the Citadel Hill to take in an eagle eye's view of the city. And
when your feet are tired, sitting in one of the bustling street
cafes is one of the best ways to see what the city is all about.
Whether it's talking to people around your or simply watching the
routines and traditions of those around you, make sure you find a
spot to hang out for an hour and simply enjoy your
surroundings.

Not far from the city, one can experience many great day
excursions from Amman, to sights such as the Jaresh, Madaba and
Mount Nebo, each with their own specific cultural significance and
each with their own special charm. Also, not to be missed, is the
short trip from the capital to the shores of the Dead Sea. Here the
northern hills, rich with olive trees, teeter over the rift of the
Jordan Valley, which in turn runs down to the Dead Sea, the lowest
point on earth. It is a spectacular sight and an experience not to
be missed when visiting Amman, something that can truly be
appreciated by all visitors to this exciting desert city.

Jerash

Situated about 31 miles (50km) north of Amman is one of the top
attractions in Jordan: the ancient city of Jerash, considered to be
one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world. Its exceptional
preservation is due to it being buried in sand for centuries and
the magnificent baths, theatres, temples, arches, columns and stone
chariot-rutted streets have long attracted scholars and tourists
from across the world to admire the most complete city in the Roman
Decapolis.

Excavations dating to the Neolithic Age have indicated that
Jerash was continuously occupied for more than 6,500 years. Today
visitors can marvel as the ancient amphitheatre comes to life at
the annual Jerash festival of Culture and Arts, where artists from
around the globe sing, dance, act and play music on stage in a
celebration of Jordanian and international culture.

Jerash

Jerash

The Dead Sea

Situated about 28 miles (45km) from Amman, lies the famous
attraction of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at 1,335 feet
(407m) below sea level. Devoid of plant or animal life due to the
high salt concentration (four times saltier than normal), it is the
incredible mineral rich water that has made it an internationally
sought-after destination since ancient times, popular for its
curative properties as well as for the experience of floating
effortlessly on its surface.

Most holidaymakers go to the main resort area on the northern
shore at Sweimeh, where the Government Rest House provides showers,
a restaurant, a beach and the opportunity to smother oneself in the
mineral-rich black mud. Accommodation is available at the Dead Sea
Spa Hotel where various medical treatments are also on offer.

Transport: Buses leave from Muhajrin station to the Government Rest
House at Sweimeh.

Mount Nebo

The most sacred site in Jordan, Mt Nebo is believed to be the
burial site of Moses who climbed the hill in order to survey the
Promised Land that he would never enter. Situated on the edge of a
plateau about six miles (10km) from Madaba, Mt Nebo affords
spectacular views towards Jerusalem, whose spires are visible on a
clear day, and across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

A modern day shrine sits on the ruins of a 6th-century Byzantine
monastery, and affords protection to the original floor mosaics,
while in the grounds stands the symbolic Serpentine Cross.

Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo

Madaba

The Medeba of the Bible is today Madaba, 'the City of Mosaics',
most famous for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics from
the 5th to 7th centuries, which are scattered throughout the town's
homes and churches. Located just 19 miles (30km) south of Amman,
Madaba is also home to the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the
Holy Land, in which Jerusalem and its surrounding regions are
depicted.

One of the town's most beautiful mosaics covers the floor of the
Byzantine Church of the Apostles, and the Archaeological Park
features an impressive collection of mosaic collages, where a
series of ramps has been built over excavated mosaics to allow
people to view them from above. The Greek Orthodox Church of St
George is home to Madaba's main attraction and most famous mosaic,
the celebrated 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.

Millions of pieces of coloured stone embedded on the church
floor create a vivid picture of Jerusalem and its holy sites,
including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dead Sea, Jericho
and the Jordan River. It is the earliest surviving original map of
the region and was laid around 560 AD. Madaba is also known for its
hand-woven carpets and tapestries and it is possible to see them
being made in several shops around town.

The objectives of Dead Sea Ultra Marathon are to promote
athleticism, particularly among youth; to encourage tourism to
Jordan; and to promote athletic cooperation across countries of the
Middle East and the world. One of the most gruelling races on earth
takes the brave from Amman, some 2,953 feet (900m) above sea level,
to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The shade-less tarmac
provides the surface and only the fittest dare attempt it due to
the climate.

The race is hosted on behalf of the Society for the Care of
Neurological Patients headed by HRH Prince Firas Bin Raad and also
in aid of increasing awareness of neurological diseases and
traumas.

Visitors to Jerash in July are in for a special treat, when the
Jerash Festival transforms the ancient city into one of the World's
liveliest and most spectacular cultural events. Two thousand years
ago, the great urban trading cities of the Middle East were born
when Middle Eastern and Western societies came together in a
tremendous synthesis of commerce, art, and culture.

Their legacy shines today in the splendid cities of the
Greco-Roman and Arab East, such as Petra, Jerash, Gadara, and
Palmyra. The full power and glory of that ancient drama is revived
in Jordan every summer in the form of the two-week Jerash Festival
of Culture and Arts bringing together local folklore dancers and
troupes from all over the World.

Motorsport has been a part of the country's DNA for 60 years
since it was first introduced by by King Hussein in 1955. Since
then Jordan has become established as a major motorsporting hub and
in particular, are proud to host the Jordan International
Rally.

The Jordan leg of the World Rally Championship takes place in
May around the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea area - the lowest
point on earth. The route has been built specifically for the rally
and top racers and spectators alike rate this as one of most
enjoyable rally events on the global circuit.

Location: The airport is situated 20 miles (32km) south of
Amman.Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3, from the last Friday
in March to the last Friday in October)Contacts: Tel: +962 (0)6 445 1739.

Getting to the city: Local buses and an airport express bus offer trasfer options to
the city.Car rental: Car rental is available and includes major companies such as
Budget and Hertz.Airport Taxis: Airport taxis are available at both terminals. Prices are
fixed. Facilities: Facilities include banks and bureaux de change, duty-free
shopping, bars and restaurants, and a medical centre. There are
also VIP and business lounges. A tourist help desk is also
available. Facilities for the disabled are good. Parking: Costs will vary depending on the parking lot, starting from JOD
13 for 60 minutes in the Drop-Off Area, or JOD 2 per hour or part
thereof in the short-term lot. The best daily rate is in the
long-term parking lot, which charges a total of JOD 11 for every
24-hour period and JOD 1 for every additional hour. Website:www.amman-airport.com

Amman is a relatively small city and is thus easy to navigate.
Metered private taxis are available at reasonable prices, and white
shared taxis cover fixed routes. Locals are usually very friendly
and helpful regarding directions and drivers are usually
forthcoming about route information. Municipal buses travel along
most routes in Amman; although they are efficient and safe to use,
most routes are only written in Arabic and they are not popular
with visitors. Car hire is available and offers a viable means of
exploring the city; it's a good idea to hire a vehicle with a
driver, which usually comes at an extra cost.

Amman has a semiarid climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
Summers last from June to September and are dry and hot with high
temperatures averaging 86°F (32°C). There is also low humidity and
frequent breezes that provide some relief from the heat. Rain is
uncommon during the day, but at night there is often fog and
drizzle. Spring is brief, lasting from April to May, with rain
sometimes falling during the morning and the afternoons. Winters
last from December to April, and are wet and cold. Temperatures in
winter drop below 24°F (-4°C), with snowfall and heavy fog. It can
snow anytime between November and March. The best time to visit
Amman is during the warmer months between June and September.